Ruthenium complexes useful for catalyzing metathesis reactions

ABSTRACT

Compound of formula (4) or formula (5), wherein L is a neutral ligand, preferably a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic carbene (NHC) such as carbene containing at least two nitrogen atoms, a cyclic aminoalkyl carbene (CAAC) or a bicyclic aminoalkyl carbene (BICAAC); R 1 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7 , R 8 , R 9 , R 10  and R 11  are, independently, H, unbranched or branched C 1-20  alkyl, C 5-9  cycloalkyl, unbranched or branched C 1-20  alkoxy, optionally bearing one or more halogen atoms, respectively; or aryl, optionally substituted with one or more of unbranched or branched C 1-20  alkyl, C 5-9  cycloalkyl, unbranched or branched C 1-20  alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, unbranched or branched C 1-20  alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, unbranched or branched C 1-20  alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, heteroaryl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amido, aminosulfonyl, N-heteroarylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C 1-20  alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C 1-20  alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, unbranched or branched C 1-20  alkylthio, arylthio, sulfonamide, halogen or N(R y )(R z ), wherein R y  and R z  are independently selected from H and C 1-20  alkyl: R C  is H, unbranched or branched C 1-20  alkyl.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to ruthenium complexes bearing a neutral ligand, in particular a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-ligand. The complexes may be used for catalyzing metathesis reactions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Catalytic metathesis has transformed chemical synthesis and offers exceptionally efficient pathways for the synthesis of commercially important chemicals, including but not limited to biologically active molecules, oleochemicals, renewables, fine chemicals, and polymeric materials. Organometallic catalysts based on ruthenium are used in many of such organic transformation reactions.

E.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,723,255 B1 discloses a transition metal catalyst 1 having the following structure:

wherein: M comprises a transition metal such as Ru; R comprises an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, alkoxy, alkenyloxy, alkynyloxy, aryloxy, alkoxy carbonyl, alkylamino, alkylthio, alkylsulfonyl, or alkylsulfinyl; each optionally substituted with an alkyl, halogen, aryl or heteroaryl moiety; R¹ and R² each comprises, or together comprise, an electron withdrawing group; a, b, c and d each comprise a hydrogen or halogen atom or an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, alkoxy, alkenyloxy, alkynyloxy, aryloxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylamino, alkylthio, alkylsulfonyl or alkylsulfinyl group optionally substituted with an alkyl, halogen, aryl or heteroaryl moiety X is oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen or phosphorus; and Y comprises an electron-donating heterocyclic carbene ligand.

Similar structures as in U.S. Pat. No. 7,723,255 B1 are disclosed in EP 1 313 559 B1.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,921,735 discloses ruthenium complexes bearing a 1,3-dimesityl-4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene and styrenyl ether ligand.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,867,303 B2 discloses a compound of formula 2a,

wherein L¹ is a neutral ligand; X and X′ are anionic ligands; R¹ is C₁₋₅ alkyl or C₅₋₆ cycloalkyl; R² is H, C₁₋₂₀ alkyl, C₂₋₂₀ alkenyl, C₂₋₂₀ alkynyl or aryl; R³ is C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy or aryl, wherein aryl is optionally substituted with C₁₋₆ alkyl or C₁₋₆ alkoxy; and n is 0, 1, 2 or 3.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,288,576 discloses a ruthenium catalyst having the following structure 2b:

wherein: X¹ and X² are the same or different and each selected from electron-withdrawing anionic ligands, wherein X¹ and X² may be linked to each other via carbon-carbon and/or carbon-heteroatom bonds; Y is a neutral two-electron donor selected from oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen or phosphorus; R is H, halogen atom, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, heteroaryl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amido, amino, aminosulfonyl, N-heteroarylsulfonyl, alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, alkylthio, arylthio, or sulfonamido group; R¹ and R² are each H, Br, I, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, carboxyl, amido, amino, heteroaryl, alkylthio, arylthio, or sulfonamido group; R³ is an alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, thiocarbonyl, or aminocarbonyl group; EWG is chloro or CO₂Me; and L is an electron donating ligand, which may be linked to X¹ via carbon-carbon and/or carbon-heteroatom bonds.

Similar compounds as in U.S. Pat. No. 8,049,025 are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,632,772.

WO 2014/201300 A1 discloses a ruthenium catalyst of formula 3

wherein the substituents R¹, R², R³, R^(x), X, Y, and Z are broadly defined as specified therein.

WO 2017/055945 A1 discloses a ruthenium catalyst represented by the following formula

wherein: X¹ and X² are each independently an anionic ligand selected from halogen atoms, —CN, —SCN, —OR′, —SR′, —O(C═O)R′, —O(SO₂)R′, and —OSi(R′)₃ group, wherein R′ is C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, C₅-C₂₀ aryl, which are optionally substituted with at least one C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₅-C₂₄ aryloxy, C₅-C₂₀ heteroaryloxy, or a halogen atom; Z is an atom selected from a group of O, S, NR′, wherein R′ is C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, C₅-C₂₀ aryl, which are optionally substituted with at least one C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₅-C₂₄ aryloxy, C₅-C₂₀ heteroaryloxy, or a halogen atom; Ar is an aryl group substituted with hydrogen atoms or optionally substituted with at least one C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₅-C₂₄ aryloxy, and C₅-C₂₀ heteroaryloxy group, or a halogen atom; R¹ and R², are each independently hydrogen atom, C₁-C₂₅ alkyl group, C₁-C₂₅ alkoxy group, C₂-C₂₅ alkenyl group, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₅-C₂₀ aryl, C₅-C₂₄ aryloxy, C₅-C₂₀ heteroaryloxy, or can be combined together to form substituted or unsubstituted C₄-C₁₀ cyclic or C₄-C₁₂ polycyclic system, can also be an ester (—COOR′), amide (—CONR′₂), formyl (—CHO), ketone (—COR′), and hydroxamic (—CON(OR′)(R′)) group or a halogen atom, in which R′ is C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, C₅-C₂₀ aryl, which are optionally substituted with at least one C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C1-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₅-C₂₄ aryloxy, C₅-C₂₀ heteroaryloxy, or a halogen atom; R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶ are each independently hydrogen atom, sulfoxide group (—S(O)R′), sulphonamide group (—SO₂NR′₂), phosphonate group (—P(O)(OR′)₂), phosphinate group (—P(O)R′(OR′)), phosphoninum group (—P(OR′)₂), phosphine group (—PR′₂), nitro group (—NO₂), nitroso group (—NO), carboxy group (—COOH), ester group (—COOR′), formyl group (—CHO), ketone group (—COR′), wherein R′ is C₁-C₅ alkyl, C₁-C₅ perfluoroalkyl, C₅-C₂₄ aryl, C₇-C₂₄ aralkyl, C₅-C₂₄ perfluoroaryl; wherein when R¹ and R² are —CH₃ group, then at least one of R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶ substituents is not hydrogen atom; R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, and R¹⁰ are each independently hydrogen atom or C₁-C₂₅ alkyl group, R⁷ and/or R⁸ can be combined with R⁹ and/or R¹⁰ to form cyclic system, are also independently C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, C₅-C₂₀ aryl, C₁-C₅ perfluoroalkyl, C₇-C₂₄ aralkyl, and C₅-C₂₄ perfluoroaryl group, which are optionally substituted with at least one C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₅-C₂₄ aryloxy, C₅-C₂₀ heteroaryloxy, or a halogen atom.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,249,170 B2 discloses compounds of the following formula

wherein, independently for each occurrence, X is, independently for each occurrence, alkoxy or halo; R² is, independently for each occurrence, alkyl; R³ is alkyl; R⁴ is alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl, or heteroaralkyl; or R³ and R⁴, taken together with the carbon atom to which they are attached, form a five-, six-, or ten-membered cycloalkyl or heterocyclyl ring; R⁵ is alkyl; R⁶ is H or alkyl, provided that (i) R⁵ and R⁶ are not the same, and (ii) R⁶ has fewer atoms than R⁵; and R⁷ is alkyl; or a compound of formula

wherein, independently for each occurrence, X is, independently for each occurrence, alkoxy or halo; R² is, independently for each occurrence, alkyl; R³ is alkyl; R⁴ is alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl, or heteroaralkyl; or R³ and R⁴, taken together with the carbon atom to which they are attached, form a five-, six-, or ten-membered cycloalkyl or heterocyclyl ring; R⁵ is, independently for each occurrence, alkyl; and R⁷ is alkyl; or a compound of formula

wherein, independently for each occurrence, X is, independently for each occurrence, alkoxy or halo; R² is alkyl; R³ is alkyl; R⁵ is, independently for each occurrence, alkyl; R⁷ is alkyl; and R⁸ is aryl or heteroaryl; or a compound of formula

wherein, independently for each occurrence, X is, independently for each occurrence, alkoxy or halo; R² is alkyl; R³ is alkyl; R⁵ is, independently for each occurrence, alkyl; R⁷ is alkyl; and R⁹ is C₂-C₆ alkyl; or R³ and R⁹, taken together with the carbon atom to which they are attached, form a five-, or ten-membered cycloalkyl or heterocyclyl ring.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

There remains an ongoing need for providing new and improved catalysts useful for catalyzing metathesis reactions, for example, in terms of better catalyst stability and/or activity, efficiency and stereoselectivity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventors of the present invention discovered that the underlying problem may be solved by selected ruthenium complexes bearing at least an aryliden ligand, a sulfur-based bidentate ligand, and a neutral ligand, the neutral ligand preferably being selected from a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic carbene (NHC).

The invention relates to the following items:

1. A compound of formula 4 or formula 5

wherein in formula 4 or formula 5 the substituents L and R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰ and R¹¹ have the following meaning:

-   L is: a neutral ligand; -   R¹ is: H;     -   unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl or unbranched or branched         C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy; C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl or C₅₋₉ cycloalkoxy; optionally         bearing one or more halogen atoms, respectively; or     -   aryl or aryloxy; optionally substituted, respectively, with one         or more of unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl or unbranched or         branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy, C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl or C₅₋₉ cycloalkoxy,         aryl, aryloxy, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbonyl,         arylcarbonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl,         aryloxycarbonyl, heteroaryl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amido,         aminosulfonyl, N-heteroarylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched         C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀         alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀         alkylthio, arylthio, sulfonamide, halogen or N(R^(y))(R^(z)),         wherein R^(y) and R^(z) are independently selected from H and         C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; -   R² is: H; unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; aryl; —C(O)R¹²;     —C(O)OR¹²; —C(O)C(O)R¹²; —C(O)C(O)OR¹²; wherein R¹² has the meaning     of C₁₋₂₀ alkyl or aryl, respectively; R¹² optionally bearing one or     more halogen atoms; -   R³ is: unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; aryl; or     -   R¹³—C(O)—CHR¹⁴—, wherein R¹³ is C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy and R¹⁴ is H or         C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; or wherein R¹³ is C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy and R¹⁴ is         C(O)—O—C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; or wherein R¹³ is C₁₋₂₀ alkyl and R¹⁴ is H;         or R¹³ is OH and R¹⁴ is H or C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; or     -   R¹⁵—O—N(R¹⁶)—C(O)—CHR¹⁷—, wherein R¹⁵, R¹⁶, and R¹⁷ are         independently H or C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; -   R⁴ is: H;     R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁹ and R¹¹ are, independently, H; unbranched or     branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl or C₅₋₉ cycloalkoxy;     unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy; aryl; aryloxy; unbranched or     branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbonyl; arylcarbonyl; unbranched or branched     C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl; aryloxycarbonyl; heteroaryl; carboxyl; cyano;     nitro; amido; aminosulfonyl; N-heteroarylsulfonyl; unbranched or     branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl; arylsulfonyl; unbranched or branched     C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfinyl; arylsulfinyl; unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀     alkylthio; arylthio; sulfonamide; halogen; or N(R^(y))(R^(z)),     wherein R^(y) and R^(z) are independently selected from H and C₁₋₂₀     alkyl; or     aryl or aryloxy, respectively substituted with one or more of     unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl or unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀     alkoxy, C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl or C₅₋₉ cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy,     unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, unbranched     or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, heteroaryl,     carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amido, aminosulfonyl, N-heteroarylsulfonyl,     unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, unbranched     or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, unbranched or     branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylthio, arylthio, sulfonamide, halogen or     N(R^(y))(R^(z)), wherein R^(y) and R^(z) are independently selected     from H and C₁₋₂₀ alkyl.     2. The compound of item 1, wherein in formula 4 or 5 the neutral     ligand L is     P(R^(x))₃, wherein R^(x) is independently branched or unbranched     C₁₋₂₀ alkyl or C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy, C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl, or aryl; or     RCN, wherein R is branched or unbranched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl, C₅₋₉     cycloalkyl, or aryl; or a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic carbene     containing the moiety of formula 6

wherein R⁷ and R⁸ as defined in formula 6 are each independently H, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl, C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl, or phenyl, wherein the phenyl is optionally substituted with up to three groups independently selected from unbranched or branched C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy or halogen, and wherein the chemical bonds which are symbolized with a wiggly line are connected to an optionally substituted alkenylene or alkylene group, respectively, wherein the carbene carbon atom, the two nitrogen atoms and the optionally substituted alkenylene or alkylene group form a ring; or a carbene containing the moiety of formula 7

wherein Ar as defined in formula 7 is aryl, preferably phenyl, optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from: C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or halogen; and wherein the chemical bonds which are symbolized with a wiggly line are connected to an optionally substituted alkenylene or alkylene group, respectively, wherein the carbon atom, the carbene carbon atom, the nitrogen atom and the optionally substituted alkenylene or alkylene group form a ring, which may optionally be bridged by an alkylene group. 3. The compound of item 2, wherein the carbene of formula 6 is a carbene of one of formulas 6a, 6b, 6c or 6d:

wherein R⁹ and R¹° are each independently H, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl, or phenyl, wherein the phenyl is optionally substituted with up to three groups independently selected from unbranched or branched C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy or halogen; or R⁹ and R¹⁹ together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached are combined to form a carbocyclic 3 to 8 membered ring, preferably an aryl ring, more preferably C₆H₄; Y and Y′ are halogen. 4. Compound of any one of items 1 to 3, wherein L is of formula 6a or 6b, preferably wherein R⁹ and R¹⁹ as defined in formula 6a or 6b are H, respectively, and R⁷ and R⁹ as defined in formula 6a and 6b are mesityl, or 2,6-diisopropylphenyl; or wherein L is of formula

5. The compound of item 2, wherein the carbene of formula 7 is a carbene of one of formulas 7a or 7b:

wherein each R in formula 7a is independently hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₁-C₅ perfluoroalkyl, C₇-C₂₄ aralkyl, or C₅-C₂₄ perfluoroaryl group, which are optionally substituted with at least one C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or a halogen atom; and wherein two R which are separated by the C—CR₂—C moiety can be combined with to form a cyclic system;

wherein each R in formula 7b is independently hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₁-C₅ perfluoroalkyl, C₇-C₂₄ aralkyl, or C₆-C₁₄ perfluoroaryl group, which are optionally substituted with at least one C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or a halogen atom; and wherein n is 1, 2 or 3; preferably wherein R in formula 7b are each independently hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl. 6. The compound of item 5, wherein the ligand of formula 7a is of formula 7a′

wherein R¹², R¹³, R¹⁴, and R¹⁵ in formula 7a′ are each independently hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₁-C₅ perfluoroalkyl, C₇ ⁻C₂₄ aralkyl, or C₆-C₁₄ perfluoroaryl group, which are optionally substituted with at least one C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or a halogen atom; and wherein R¹² and/or R¹³ can be combined with R¹⁴ and/or R¹⁵ to form a cyclic system; or wherein the ligand of formula 7b is of formula 7b′:

wherein R¹⁶, R¹⁷ and R¹⁸ in formula 7b′ are each independently hydrogen or C₁-C⁻ ₁₂ alkyl, or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, or C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₁-C₅ perfluoroalkyl, C₇-C₂₄ aralkyl, or C₆-C₁₄ perfluoroaryl group, which are optionally substituted with at least one C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or a halogen atom, preferably wherein R¹⁶, R¹⁷ and R¹⁸ in formula 7b′ are each independently hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl. 7. The compound of any one of items 2, 5 or 6, wherein L in formula 4 or 5 is a carbene of formula 7c

wherein m is an integer of from 0 to 4, and each R^(y) independently has the meaning of C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or halogen; such as a carbene of formula 7c′

or is a carbene of formula 7d

wherein m is an integer of from 0 to 4, and each R^(y) independently has the meaning of C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or halogen; such as a carbene of formula 7d′

or is a carbene of formula 7e

or is a carbene of formula 7f

or is carbene of formula 7g or 7h

or is a carbene of formula 7i

or is a carbene of formula 7k

wherein each R in one of formulas 7c to 7i is independently hydrogen or C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, or C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₁-C₅ perfluoroalkyl, C₇-C₂₄ aralkyl, or C₆-C₂₄ perfluoroaryl group, which are optionally substituted with at least one C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or a halogen atom; preferably wherein each R in formulae 7c to 7i is hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl. 8. Compound of any one of the preceding items, wherein R¹ in formula 4 or 5 is C₁₋₆ alkyl, optionally substituted with one or more of halogen, or phenyl, optionally substituted with one or more of unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl or unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy, C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl or C₅₋₉ cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, heteroaryl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amido, aminosulfonyl, N-heteroarylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylthio, arylthio, sulfonamide, halogen or N(R^(y))(R^(z)), wherein R^(y) and R^(z) are independently selected from H and C₁₋₂₀ alkyl. 9. Compound of any one of the preceding items, wherein R² in formula 4 or 5 is H. 10. Compound of any one of the preceding items, wherein NR²—C(O)—R¹ in formula 4 or 5 is in para-position with respect to O. 11. Compound of any one of the preceding items, wherein R³ in formula 4 or 5 is methyl or isopropyl. 12. Compound of any one of the proceeding items, wherein R⁵ in formula 4 or 5 is H. 13. Compound of any one of the preceding items, wherein R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, and R⁹ in formula 4 are independently selected from H and halogen. 14. Compound of any one of items 1 to 13, wherein R¹⁰ and R¹¹ as defined in formula 5 are independently selected from halogen and cyano. 15. Compound, wherein the compound has the structure of formula I-c:

wherein: each of R⁶ and R⁷ is independently R, —CN, halogen, —OR, —OC(O)R, —OSi®₃, —SR, —S(O)R, —S(O)₂R, —NO₂, —N(R′)₂, —NR′C(O)R, —NR′C(O)OR, —NR′C(O)N(R′)₂, —NR′SO₂R, —NR′SO₂N(R′)₂, —NR′OR, —SeR, —SiR₃; or R⁶ and R⁷ are optionally taken together with their intervening atoms to form an optionally substituted 3-10 membered, saturated, partially unsaturated or aryl monocyclic or bicyclic ring having 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; or wherein the compound has the structure of formula I-d:

or wherein the compound has the structure of formula I-e:

or wherein the compound has the structure of formula I-f:

wherein R¹ is a nitrogen-containing carbene containing the moiety of formula 7

wherein Ar as defined in formula 7 is aryl, preferably phenyl, optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from: C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or halogen; and wherein the chemical bonds which are symbolized with a wiggly line are connected to an optionally substituted alkenylene or alkylene group, respectively, wherein the carbon atom, the carbene carbon atom, the nitrogen atom and the optionally substituted alkenylene or alkylene group form a ring, which may optionally be bridged by an alkylene group; r is 1 or 2, preferably 1;

X and Y are —S-;

Ring A is an optionally substituted ring selected from phenyl, an 8-10 membered bicyclic aryl ring, a 5-6 membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or an 8-10 membered bicyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; each R^(x) is independently halogen, R, —CN, —C(O)N(R′)₂, —C(O)R, —C(O)OR, —OR, —OC(O)R, —OC(O)OR, —OC(O)N(R)₂, —OSiR₃, —N(R′)₂, —N(R)₃ ⁺, —NR′C(O)R, —NR′C(O)OR, —NR′C(O)N(R′)₂, —NR′SO₂R, —NR′SO₂N(R′)₂, —NR′OR, —NO₂, —SiR₃, —PR₂, —P(O)R₂, —P(O)(OR)₂, —SR, —SC(O)R, —S(O)R, —SO₂R, —SO₃R, —SO₂N(R′)₂, or —SeR; each R′ is independently R, —C(O)R, —C(O)NR₂, —C(O)OR, —SO₂R, —SO₂NR₂, —P(O)(OR)₂, or —OR; and each R is independently hydrogen or an optionally substituted group selected from C₁₋₂₀ aliphatic, C₁₋₂₀ heteroaliphatic, phenyl, a 3-7 membered saturated or partially unsaturated carbocyclic ring, an 8-10 membered bicyclic saturated, partially unsaturated or aryl ring, a 5-6 membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, a 3-7 membered saturated or partially unsaturated heterocyclic ring having 1-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, a 7-10 membered bicyclic saturated or partially unsaturated heterocyclic ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or an 8-10 membered bicyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; or: two R groups are optionally taken together with their intervening atoms to form an optionally substituted 3-10 membered, saturated, partially unsaturated, or aryl ring having, in addition to the intervening atoms, 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; m is 0-6; R² is R^(x); R³ is hydrogen or an optionally substituted group selected from C₁₋₂₀ aliphatic, C₁₋₂₀ heteroaliphatic, phenyl, a 3-7 membered saturated or partially unsaturated carbocyclic ring, a 5-6 membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or a 3-7 membered saturated or partially unsaturated heterocyclic ring having 1-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; and

Z is —O- or —S-.

16. Compound of item 15, wherein the compound has the structure of formula I-g:

17. Compound of item 15 or 16, wherein the carbene is of formula 7a or 7b:

wherein each R in formula 7a is independently hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₁-C₅ perfluoroalkyl, C₇-C₂₄ aralkyl, or C₆-C₁₄ perfluoroaryl group, which are optionally substituted with at least one C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or a halogen atom; and wherein two R which are separated by the C—CR₂—C moiety can be combined with to form a cyclic system; or

wherein each R in formula 7b is independently hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₁-C₅ perfluoroalkyl, C₇-C₂₄ aralkyl, or C₆-C₁₄ perfluoroaryl group, which are optionally substituted with at least one C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or a halogen atom; and wherein n is 1, 2 or 3; preferably wherein R in formula 7b are each independently hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl. 18. The compound of item 17, wherein the carbene of formula 7a is of formula 7a′

wherein R¹², R¹³, R¹⁴, and R¹⁵ in formula 7a are each independently hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₁-C₅ perfluoroalkyl, C₇ ⁻C₂₄ aralkyl, or C₆-C₁₄ perfluoroaryl group, which are optionally substituted with at least one C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or a halogen atom; and wherein R¹² and/or R¹³ can be combined with R¹⁴ and/or R¹⁵ to form a cyclic system; or wherein the carbene of formula 7b is of formula 7b′:

wherein R¹⁶, R¹⁷ and R¹⁸ in formula 7b′ are each independently hydrogen or C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, or C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₁-C₅ perfluoroalkyl, C₇-C₂₄ aralkyl, or C₆-C₁₄ perfluoroaryl group, which are optionally substituted with at least one C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or a halogen atom, preferably wherein R¹⁶, R¹⁷ and R¹⁸ in formula 7b′ are each independently hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl. 19. The compound of any one of items 15 to 18, wherein L in formula 4 or 5 is a carbene of formula 7c

wherein in formula 7c m is an integer of from 0 to 4, and each R^(y) independently has the meaning of C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or halogen; such as a carbene of formula 7c′

or is a carbene of formula 7d

wherein in formula 7d m is an integer of from 0 to 4, and each R^(y) independently has the meaning of C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or halogen; such as a carbene of formula 7d′

or is a carbene of formula 7e

or is a carbene of formula 7f

or is a carbene of formula 7g or 7h

or is a carbene of formula 7i

or is a carbene of formula 7k

wherein each R in formulas 7c to 7i is independently hydrogen or C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, or C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₁-C₅ perfluoroalkyl, C₇-C₂₄ aralkyl, or C₆-C₁₄ perfluoroaryl group, which are optionally substituted with at least one C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or a halogen atom; preferably each R in formulae 7c to 7i is hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl. 20. Compound of any one of items 15 to 19, wherein Z is —O-. 21. Compound of any one of the preceding items, wherein the compound is selected from one of compounds E1 to E12:

22. Compound of any one of items 15 to 21, wherein the compound is not a compound of formula 4 or formula 5

wherein in formula 4 or formula 5 the substituents L and R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰ and R¹¹ have the following meaning:

-   L is: a neutral ligand; -   R¹ is: H;     -   unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl or unbranched or branched         C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy; C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl or C₅₋₉ cycloalkoxy; optionally         bearing one or more halogen atoms, respectively; or     -   aryl or aryloxy; optionally substituted, respectively, with one         or more of unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl or unbranched or         branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy, C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl or C₅₋₉ cycloalkoxy,         aryl, aryloxy, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbonyl,         arylcarbonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl,         aryloxycarbonyl, heteroaryl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amido,         aminosulfonyl, N-heteroarylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched         C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀         alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀         alkylthio, arylthio, sulfonamide, halogen or N(R^(y))(R^(z)),         wherein R^(y) and R^(z) are independently selected from H and         C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; -   R² is: H; unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; aryl; —C(O)R¹²;     —C(O)OR¹²; —C(O)C(O)R¹²; —C(O)C(O)OR^(12;) wherein R¹² has the     meaning of C₁₋₂₀ alkyl or aryl, respectively; R¹² optionally bearing     one or more halogen atoms; -   R³ is: unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; aryl; or     -   R¹³—C(O)—CHR¹⁴, wherein R¹³ is C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy and R¹⁴ is H or         C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; or wherein R¹³ is C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy and R¹⁴ is         C(O)—O—C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; or wherein R¹³ is C₁₋₂₀ alkyl and R¹⁴ is H;         or R¹³ is OH and R¹⁴ is H or C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; or     -   R¹⁵—O—N(R¹⁶)—C(O)—CHR¹⁷, wherein R¹⁵, R¹⁶, and R¹⁷ are         independently H or C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; -   R⁴ is: H;     R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are, independently, H; unbranched or     branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl or unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy; C₅₋₉     cycloalkyl or C₅₋₉ cycloalkoxy; aryl; aryloxy; unbranched or     branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbonyl; arylcarbonyl; unbranched or branched     C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl; aryloxycarbonyl; heteroaryl; carboxyl; cyano;     nitro; amido; aminosulfonyl; N-heteroarylsulfonyl; unbranched or     branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl; arylsulfonyl; unbranched or branched     C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfinyl; arylsulfinyl; unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀     alkylthio; arylthio; sulfonamide; halogen; or N(R^(y))(R^(z)),     wherein R^(y) and R^(z) are independently selected from H and C₁₋₂₀     alkyl; or     aryl or aryloxy, respectively substituted with one or more of     unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl or unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀     alkoxy, C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl or C₅₋₉ cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy,     unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, unbranched     or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, heteroaryl,     carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amido, aminosulfonyl, N-heteroarylsulfonyl,     unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, unbranched     or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, unbranched or     branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylthio, arylthio, sulfonamide, halogen or     N(R^(y))(R^(z)), wherein R^(y) and R^(z) are independently selected     from H and C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; and     wherein in formula 4 or 5 the neutral ligand L is a carbene     containing the moiety of formula 7

wherein Ar as defined in formula 7 is aryl, preferably phenyl, optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from: C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or halogen; and wherein the chemical bonds which are symbolized with a wiggly line are connected to an optionally substituted alkenylene or alkylene group, respectively, wherein the carbon atom, the carbene carbon atom, the nitrogen atom and the optionally substituted alkenylene or alkylene group form a ring, which may optionally be bridged by an alkylene group. 23. Compound of any one of the preceding items, wherein the compound is immobilized on a solid support. 24. Method of catalysing a metathesis reaction, comprising providing a compound as defined in any one of claims 1 to 23. 25. Method of item 24, further comprising providing one or more olefins, wherein more than 80% of the olefins formed in the catalysed metathesis reaction are Z-olefins.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All terms in quotation marks are defined in the meaning of the invention.

In a first aspect, the invention relates to a compound of formula 4 or formula 5:

wherein in formula 4 or formula 5 the substituents L and R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰ and R¹¹ have the following meaning:

-   L is: a neutral ligand; -   R¹ is: H;     -   unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl or unbranched or branched         C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy; C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl or C₅₋₉ cycloalkoxy; optionally         bearing one or more halogen atoms, respectively; or     -   aryl or aryloxy; optionally substituted, respectively, with one         or more of unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl, C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl,         unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy, C₅₋₉ cycloalkoxy, aryl,         aryloxy, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbonyl,         arylcarbonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl,         aryloxycarbonyl, heteroaryl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amido,         aminosulfonyl, N-heteroarylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched         C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀         alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀         alkylthio, arylthio, sulfonamide, halogen or N(R^(y))(R^(z)),         wherein R^(y) and R^(z) are independently selected from H and         C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; -   R² is: H; unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; aryl; —C(O)R¹²;     —C(O)OR¹²; —C(O)C(O)R¹²; —C(O)C(O)OR¹²; wherein R¹² has the meaning     of C₁₋₂₀ alkyl or aryl, respectively; R¹² optionally bearing one or     more halogen atoms; -   R³ is: unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; aryl; or     -   R¹³—C(O)—CHR¹⁴, wherein R¹³ is C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy and R¹⁴ is H or         C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; or wherein R¹³ is C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy and R¹⁴ is         C(O)—O—C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; or wherein R¹³ is C₁₋₂₀ alkyl and R¹⁴ is H;         or R¹³ is OH and R¹⁴ is H or C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; or     -   R¹⁵—O—N(R¹⁶)—C(O)—CHR¹⁷, wherein R¹⁵, R¹⁶, and R¹⁷ are         independently H or C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; -   R⁴ is: H;     R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are, independently, H; unbranched or     branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl or unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy; C₅₋₉     cycloalkyl or C₅₋₉ cycloalkoxy; aryl; aryloxy; unbranched or     branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbonyl; arylcarbonyl; unbranched or branched     C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl; aryloxycarbonyl; heteroaryl; carboxyl; cyano;     nitro; amido; aminosulfonyl; N-heteroarylsulfonyl; unbranched or     branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl; arylsulfonyl; unbranched or branched     C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfinyl; arylsulfinyl; unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀     alkylthio; arylthio; sulfonamide; halogen; or N(R^(y))(R^(z)),     wherein R^(y) and R^(z) are independently selected from H and C₁₋₂₀     alkyl; or     aryl or aryloxy, respectively substituted with one or more of     unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl or unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀     alkoxy, C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl or C₅₋₉ cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy,     unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, unbranched     or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, heteroaryl,     carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amido, aminosulfonyl, N-heteroarylsulfonyl,     unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, unbranched     or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, unbranched or     branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylthio, arylthio, sulfonamide, halogen or     N(R^(y))(R^(z)), wherein R^(y) and R^(z) are independently selected     from H and C₁₋₂₀ alkyl.

In a preferred embodiment, the term “C₁₋₂₀ unbranched or branched alkyl” means C₁₋₆ alkyl.

The term “unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy, C₅-₉ cycloalkyl, C₅-₉ cycloalkoxy, optionally bearing one or more halogen atoms” encompasses in a preferred embodiment perhalogenated residues.

Preferred perhalogenated residues are CCl₃, CF₃, C₂F₅, C₃F₇, C₄F₉, C₅F₁₁, C₆F₁₃, C₇F₁₅ and C₅F₁₇.

In particular with respect to R¹, the term “C₁₋₂₀ unbranched or branched alkyl (optionally) bearing one or more halogen atoms” encompasses in a preferred embodiment perhalogenated residues. Preferred perhalogenated residues are CCl₃, CF₃, C₂F₅, C₃F₇, C₄F₉, C₅F₁₁, C₆F₁₃, C₇F₁₅ and C₅F₁₇.

The term “aryl” encompasses C₆, C₁₀ and C₁₄ aryl. A preferred aryl residue is phenyl or naphthyl.

In one embodiment, each aryl residue may be optionally substituted with one or more of unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl, C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy, C₅-₉ cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, heteroaryl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amido, aminosulfonyl, N-heteroarylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylthio, arylthio, sulfonamide, halogen, or N(R^(y))(R^(z)), wherein R^(y) and R^(z) are independently selected from H and C₁₋₂₀ alkyl.

In one embodiment, the neutral ligand L is a phosphine.

Preferably, the neutral ligand is of formula P(R^(x))₃, wherein R^(x) is independently branched or unbranched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl or C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy, C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl, or aryl. In a preferred embodiment, R^(x) is cyclohexyl.

In one embodiment, the neutral ligand is a nitrile.

Preferably, the nitrile is of formula RCN, wherein R is branched or unbranched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl, C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl, or aryl.

In a preferred embodiment, the neutral ligand L in formula 4 or 5 is a nitrogen-containing carbene, preferably an electron-donating nitrogen-containing carbene.

In one embodiment, the carbene is a N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC).

In one embodiment, the N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) contains at least two nitrogen atoms.

Preferably, the carbene contains the moiety of formula 6

wherein R⁷ and R⁸ as defined in formula 6 are each independently H, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl, C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl, or phenyl, wherein the phenyl is optionally substituted with up to three groups independently selected from unbranched or branched C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy or halogen; and wherein the chemical bonds which are symbolized with a wiggly line are connected to an optionally substituted alkenylene or alkylene group, respectively, wherein the carbene carbon atom, the two nitrogen atoms and the optionally substituted alkenylene or alkylene group form a ring.

Suitable optional substituents of the optionally substituted alkenylene or alkylene groups are e.g. C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, C₁₋₁₀ alkoxyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkoxyl phenyl, or halogen.

The electrons at the carbene carbon atom form a bond with Ru.

In a preferred embodiment, neutral ligand L is a carbene derived from formula 6 or comprising formula 6.

In one embodiment, the neutral ligand L in formula 4 or 5 is a carbene of one of formulas 6a, 6b, 6c or 6d:

In formulas 6a to 6d, R⁷ and R⁸ as defined therein are each independently H, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl, C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl, or phenyl, wherein the phenyl is optionally substituted with up to three groups independently selected from unbranched or branched C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy or halogen;

R⁹ and R¹⁰ as defined therein are each independently H, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl, or phenyl, wherein the phenyl is optionally substituted with up to three groups independently selected from unbranched or branched C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy or halogen; or R⁹ and R¹⁰ together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached are combined to form an carbocyclic 3 to 8 membered ring, preferably an aryl ring, more preferably C₆H₄; and Y and Y′ are halogen.

In one embodiment, the carbene is an unsaturated carbene of formula 6a or 6b, preferably 6a.

In one embodiment, the carbene is unsymmetrically substituted, wherein preferably in formula 6a or 6b R⁹ =R¹⁰ ⁼H and R⁷ and R⁹ are different.

In one embodiment, L is an unsymmetrical nitrogen-heterocyclic carbene,

preferably

In another embodiment, the electron-donating nitrogen-containing heterocyclic carbene contains only one nitrogen atom.

In one embodiment, the electron-donating carbene is a cyclic (CAAC) or bicyclic (BICAAC) aminoalkyl carbene 7:

wherein Ar as defined in formula 7 is aryl, preferably phenyl, optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from: C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or halogen; and wherein the chemical bonds which are symbolized with a wiggly line are connected to an optionally substituted alkenylene or alkylene group, respectively, wherein the carbon atom, the carbene carbon atom, the nitrogen atom and the optionally substituted alkenylene or alkylene group form a ring, which may optionally be bridged by an alkylene group.

Suitable optional substituents of the optionally substituted alkenylene or alkylene groups are e.g. C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, C₁₋₁₀ alkoxyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkoxyl phenyl, or halogen.

In one embodiment, the CAAC ligand is of formula 7a

wherein each R in formula 7a is independently hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₁-C₅ perfluoroalkyl, C₇-C₂₄ aralkyl, or C₆-C₁₄ perfluoroaryl group, which are optionally substituted with at least one C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or a halogen atom; and wherein two R which are separated by the C—CR₂—C moiety can be combined with to form a cyclic system

In one embodiment, the CAAC ligand is of formula 7a′

wherein R¹², R¹³, R¹⁴, and R¹⁵ in formula 7a are each independently hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₁-C₅ perfluoroalkyl, C₇-C₂₄ aralkyl, or C₆-C₁₄ perfluoroaryl group, which are optionally substituted with at least one C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or a halogen atom; and wherein R¹² and/or R¹³ can be combined with R¹⁴ and/or R¹⁵ to form a cyclic system.

In another embodiment, the BICAAC ligand is of formula 7b:

wherein each R in formula 7b is independently hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₁-C₅ perfluoroalkyl, C₇-C₂₄ aralkyl, or C₆-C₁₄ perfluoroaryl group, which are optionally substituted with at least one C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or a halogen atom; and wherein n is 1, 2 or 3; preferably wherein R¹⁶, R¹⁷ and R¹⁸ in formula 7b are each independently hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl.

In one embodiment, the BICAAC ligand is of formula 7b′

wherein R¹⁶, R¹⁷ and R¹⁸ in formula 7b′ are each independently hydrogen or C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, or C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₁-C₅ perfluoroalkyl, C₇-C₂₄ aralkyl, or C₆-C₁₄ perfluoroaryl group, which are optionally substituted with at least one C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or a halogen atom, preferably wherein R¹⁶, R¹⁷ and R¹⁸ in formula 7b′ are each independently hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl.

In further embodiments, the CAAC or BICAAC ligand is of one of the following structures 7c to 7k, i.e. a carbene of structure 7c

wherein in formula 7c m is an integer of from 0 to 4, and each R^(y) independently has the meaning of C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or halogen; such as a carbene of formula 7c′

or is a carbene of formula 7d

wherein in formula 7d m is an integer of from 0 to 4, and each R^(y) independently has the meaning of C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or halogen; such as a carbene of formula 7d′

or is a carbene of formula 7e

or is a carbene of formula 7f

or is a carbene of formula 7g or 7h

or is a carbene of formula 7i

or is a carbene of formula 7k

wherein each R in formulas 7c to 7i is independently hydrogen or C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, or C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₁-C₅ perfluoroalkyl, C₇-C₂₄ aralkyl, or C₆-C₁₄ perfluoroaryl group, which are optionally substituted with at least one C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₅-C₁₄ aryloxy, or a halogen atom; preferably each R in formulae 7c to 7i is hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl.

In one embodiment, in a compound of formula 4 or 5, R¹ is C₁₋₆ alkyl, optionally substituted with one or more of halogen; or phenyl, optionally substituted with one or more of unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl or unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy, C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl or C₅₋₉ cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, heteroaryl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amido, aminosulfonyl, N-heteroarylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylthio, arylthio, sulfonamide, halogen or N(R^(y))(R^(z)), wherein R^(y) and R^(z) are independently selected from H and C₁₋₂₀ alkyl.

In one embodiment, R² is H.

In another embodiment, —NR²—C(O)—R³ is in para-position with respect to O.

In one embodiment, R³ is methyl or isopropyl.

In one embodiment, R⁴ is H.

In one embodiment, R⁵ is H.

In one embodiment, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, and R⁹ as defined in formula 4 are independently selected from H and halogen. Preferably, halogen is CI, Br or F.

In one embodiment, R¹⁰ and R¹¹ as defined in formula 5 are independently selected from halogen and cyano.

In a preferred embodiment, R¹⁰ and R¹¹as defined in formula 5 are cyano.

In one embodiment, L is of formula 6a or 6b.

In a preferred embodiment, R⁹ and R¹⁰ as defined in formula 6a or 6b are H, respectively, and R⁷ and R⁸ as defined in formula 6a and 6b are mesityl, respectively; or 2,6-diisopropylphenyl, or 2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl, respectively.

In another embodiment, R⁹ and R¹⁰ as defined in formula 6a or 6b are H, respectively, and R⁷ and R⁸ as defined in formula 6a and 6b are 2,6-diisopropylphenyl 2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl, respectively, or 2,6-dihalogenophenyl, respectively, or 2,4,6-trihalogenophenyl.

In one embodiment, in a compound of formula 4 or 5, R¹ is C₁₋₆ alkyl, optionally substituted with one or more of halogen, or phenyl, optionally substituted with one or more of unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl, C₅-₉ cycloalkyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy, C₅-₉ cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, heteroaryl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amido, aminosulfonyl, N-heteroarylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylthio, arylthio, sulfonamide, halogen or N(R^(y))(R^(z)), wherein R^(y) and R^(z) are independently selected from H and C₁₋₂₀ alkyl;

R² is H;

R³ is methyl or isopropyl;

R⁴ is H; R⁵ is H;

R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, and R⁹ in formula 4 are independently selected from H and halogen; R¹⁰ and R¹¹ in formula 5 are independently selected from halogen and cyano; L is of formula 6a or 6b.

In one embodiment, R¹ is C₁₋₆ alkyl, optionally substituted with one or more of halogen, or phenyl, optionally substituted with one or more of unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl, C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy, C₅₋₉ cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, heteroaryl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amido, aminosulfonyl, N-heteroarylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylthio, arylthio, sulfonamide, halogen or N(R^(y))(R^(z)), wherein R^(y) and R^(z) are independently selected from H and C₁₋₂₀ alkyl;

R² is H;

NR²—C(O)—R³ is in para-position with respect to O; R³ is methyl or isopropyl;

R⁴ is H; R⁵ is H;

R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, and R⁹ in formula 4 are independently selected from H and halogen; R¹⁰ and R¹¹ in formula 5 are independently selected from halogen and cyano; L is of formula 6a or 6b, wherein R⁹ and R¹⁰ as defined in formula 6a or 6b are H, respectively, and R⁷ and R⁸ as defined in formula 6a and 6b are mesityl, 2,6-diisopropyl, or 2,4,6-triisopropyl, respectively.

In one embodiment, the invention relates to compounds E1 to E12 falling under the general formulas 4 or 5

Preferably, L in E1 and E2 is a NHC ligand.

The amide function —NR²—C(O)—R¹ in formula 4 and formula 5 can act as a spacer for the introduction of an ion marker (“tag”) for immobilization in an aqueous and/or ion phase as well as on a solid support. Such an ion marking enables better recycling of the catalytic complexes to be performed in aqueous/ion solvents or on a solid support (continuous flow reaction) and thus enables a clear reduction in the cost of the reaction while avoiding contamination of high added value products, in particular in the context of a pharmaceutical molecule synthesis process.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the compound of formula 4 or 5 is immobilized in an aqueous and/or ion phase or on a solid support.

The invention further relates to a compound of formula 4 or formula 5:

wherein the substituents L and R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰ and R¹¹ have the following meaning: L is a neutral ligand; R¹, R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are, independently, H, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl, C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy, C₅₋₉ cycloalkoxy; optionally bearing one or more halogen atoms, respectively; or aryl, optionally substituted with one or more of unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl, C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, heteroaryl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amido, aminosulfonyl, N-heteroarylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylthio, arylthio, sulfonamide, halogen, or N(R^(y))(R^(z)), wherein R^(y) and R^(z) are independently selected from H and C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; R² is H, or unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl.

In one embodiment,

R¹ is H, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl, C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy or C₅₋₉ cycloalkoxy; optionally bearing one or more halogen atoms, respectively; or aryl or aryloxy, optionally substituted with one or more of unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl, C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy, C₅₋₉ cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, heteroaryl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amido, N(R^(y))(R^(z)), wherein R^(y) and R^(z) are independently selected from H and C₁₋₂₀ alkyl, aminosulfonyl, N-heteroarylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylthio, arylthio, sulfonamide, or halogen; R² is H, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; R³ is H, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl, or aryl; R⁴ is H, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl, or aryl; R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are, independently, H, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl, C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy or C₅₋₉ cycloalkoxy, optionally bearing one or more halogen atoms, respectively; or Aryl or aryloxy, optionally substituted with one or more of unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl, C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy, C₅₋₉ cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, heteroaryl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amido, aminosulfonyl, N-heteroarylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylthio, arylthio, sulfonamide, halogen or N(R^(y))(R^(z)), wherein R^(y) and R^(z) are independently selected from H and C₁₋₂₀ alkyl.

In an alternative aspect, the invention relates to a compound of formula 4 or formula 5

wherein in formula 4 or formula 5 the substituents L and R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰ and R¹¹ have the following meaning: L is a neutral ligand; R¹, R², R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are, independently, a hydrogen, a C₁ to C₆ alkyl, a C₁ to C₆ perhalogenoalkyl, a residue of an aldehyde, a residue of a ketone, a residue of an ester, a residue of an amide, a nitrile, a cyano, an optionally substituted aryl, a pyridinium alkyl, a pyridinium perhalogenoalkyl or an optionally substituted C₅ or C₆ cyclohexyl, a C_(n)H_(2n)Y or C_(n)F_(2n)Y radical with n being between 1 and 6 and Y being an ion marker; R² can also be hydrogen or a C₁ to C₆ alkyl; R³ is a C₁ to C₆ alkyl or a C₅ or C₆ cycloalkyl or a C₅ or C₆ aryl; R⁴ is independently, hydrogen, a C₁ to C₆ alkyl, a C₁ to C₆ perhalogenoalkyl, or a C₅ or C₆ aryl.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a compound of formula I-c:

wherein: each of R⁶ and R⁷ is independently R, —CN, halogen, —OR, —C(O)R, —OSil₃, —SR, —S(O)R, —S(O)₂R, —NO₂, —N(R′)₂, —NR′C(O)R, —NR′C(O)OR, —NR′C(O)N(R′)₂, —NR′SO₂R, —NR′SO₂N(R′)₂, —NR′OR, —SeR, —Sil₃, or R⁶ and R⁷ are optionally taken together with their intervening atoms to form an optionally substituted 3-10 membered, saturated, partially unsaturated or aryl monocyclic or bicyclic ring having 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; or wherein the compound has the structure of formula I-d:

or wherein the compound has the structure of formula I-e:

or wherein the compound has the structure of formula I-f:

wherein R¹ is a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic carbene (NHC) containing at least two nitrogen atoms or a cyclic aminoalkyl carbene (CAAC) or a bicyclic aminoalkyl carbene (BICAAC) as defined with respect to L in the first aspect above; r is 1 or 2, preferably 1;

X and Y are —S-;

Ring A is an optionally substituted ring selected from phenyl, an 8-10 membered bicyclic aryl ring, a 5-6 membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or an 8-10 membered bicyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; each R^(x) is independently halogen, R, —CN, —C(O)N(R′)₂, —C(O)R, —C(O)OR, —OR, —OC(O)R, —C(O)OR, —C(O)N(R′)₂, —OSil₃, —N(R′)₂, —N(R′)₃ ⁺, —NR′C(O)R, —NR′C(O)OR, —NR′C(O)N(R′)₂, —NR′SO₂R, —NR′SO₂N(R′)₂, —NR′OR, —NO₂, —Sil₃, —Pl₂, —P(O)l₂, —P(O)(OR)₂, —SR, —SC(O)R, —S(O)R, —SO₂R, —SO₃R, —SO₂N(R′)₂, or —SeR; each R′ is independently R, —C(O)R, —C(O)Nl₂, —C(O)OR, —SO₂R, —SO₂Nl₂, —P(O)(OR)₂, or —OR; and each R is independently hydrogen or an optionally substituted group selected from C₁₋₂₀ aliphatic, C₁₋₂₀ heteroaliphatic, phenyl, a 3-7 membered saturated or partially unsaturated carbocyclic ring, an 8-10 membered bicyclic saturated, partially unsaturated or aryl ring, a 5-6 membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, a 3-7 membered saturated or partially unsaturated heterocyclic ring having 1-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, a 7-10 membered bicyclic saturated or partially unsaturated heterocyclic ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or an 8-10 membered bicyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; or: two R groups are optionally taken together with their intervening atoms to form an optionally substituted 3-10 membered, saturated, partially unsaturated, or aryl ring having, in addition to the intervening atoms, 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; m is 0-6; R² is R^(x); R³ is hydrogen or an optionally substituted group selected from C₁₋₂₀ aliphatic, C₁₋₂₀ heteroaliphatic, phenyl, a 3-7 membered saturated or partially unsaturated carbocyclic ring, a 5-6 membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or a 3-7 membered saturated or partially unsaturated heterocyclic ring having 1-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; and

Z is —O- or —S-.

In one embodiment, the compound has the structure of formula I-g:

In one embodiment, the compound is not a compound of formula 4 or formula 5 as defined in the first aspect,

wherein in formula 4 or formula 5 the substituents L and R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰ and R¹¹ have the following meaning: L is: a neutral ligand;

R¹ is: H;

unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl or unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy; C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl or C₅₋₉ cycloalkoxy; optionally bearing one or more halogen atoms, respectively; or aryl or aryloxy; optionally substituted, respectively, with one or more of unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl or unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy, C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl or C₅₋₉ cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, heteroaryl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amido, aminosulfonyl, N-heteroarylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylthio, arylthio, sulfonamide, halogen or N(R^(y))(R^(z)), wherein R^(y) and R^(z) are independently selected from H and C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; R² is: H; unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; aryl; —C(O)R¹²; —C(O)OR¹²; —C(O)C(O)R¹²; —C(O)C(O)OR¹²; wherein R¹² has the meaning of C₁₋₂₀ alkyl or aryl, respectively; R¹² optionally bearing one or more halogen atoms; R³ is: unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; aryl; or R¹³—C(O)—CHR¹⁴, wherein R¹³ is C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy and R¹⁴ is H or C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; or wherein R¹³ is C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy and R¹⁴ is C(O)—O—C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; or wherein R¹³ is C₁₋₂₀ alkyl and R¹⁴ is H; or R¹³ is OH and R¹⁴ is H or C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; or R¹⁵—O—N(R¹⁶)—C(O)—CHR¹⁷, wherein R¹⁵, R¹⁶, and R¹⁷ are independently H or C₁₋₂₀ alkyl;

R⁴ is: H;

R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are, independently, H; unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl or unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy; C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl or C₅₋₉ cycloalkoxy; aryl; aryloxy; unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbonyl; arylcarbonyl; unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl; aryloxycarbonyl; heteroaryl; carboxyl; cyano; nitro; amido; aminosulfonyl; N-heteroarylsulfonyl; unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl; arylsulfonyl; unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfinyl; arylsulfinyl; unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylthio; arylthio; sulfonamide; halogen; or N(R^(y))(R^(z)), wherein R^(y) and R^(z) are independently selected from H and C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; or aryl or aryloxy, respectively substituted with one or more of unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl or unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy, C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl or C₅₋₉ cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, heteroaryl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amido, aminosulfonyl, N-heteroarylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylthio, arylthio, sulfonamide, halogen or N(R^(y))(R^(z)), wherein R^(y) and R^(z) are independently selected from H and C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; and wherein in formula 4 or 5 the neutral ligand L is a nitrogen-containing carbene containing the moiety of formula 7

wherein Ar as defined in formula 7 is aryl, preferably phenyl, optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from: C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or halogen; and wherein the chemical bonds which are symbolized with a wiggly line are connected to an optionally substituted alkenylene or alkylene group, respectively, wherein the carbon atom, the carbene carbon atom, the nitrogen atom and the optionally substituted alkenylene or alkylene group form a ring, which may optionally be bridged by an alkylene group.

Compounds according to the invention may be prepared according to methods which are described in the Example section below. Some of said methods are known in the art.

E.g., in one embodiment, a suitable thiocatechol zinc salt or a suitable ethane 1,2-dithiol zinc salt is reacted with a suitable dichloro ruthenium precursor complex to afford a compound of general formula 4 or 5.

Thiocatechole and ethane 1,2-dithiols are known in the art or may be prepared according to known methods.

Dichloro ruthenium complexes are also known in the art or may be prepared according to known methods.

NHC carbenes of formula 6, e.g. 6a to 6d, are known in the art and may be prepared according to known methods (see e.g. prior art as referred to in the Background section)

CAAC carbenes of formula 7 such as 7a are known in the art and may be prepared according to known methods (see e.g. WO 2017/055945 A1; Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 2017, 3362-3375; ACS Catal. 2017, 5443-5449; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2015, 54, 1919-1923).

BICAAC carbenes of formula 7b are known in the art and may be prepared according to known methods (see e.g. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2017, 139, 7753-7756).

The new ruthenium complexes may be used for catalysing a metathesis reaction. Preferably, the metathesis reaction is a metathesis reaction of one or more olefins.

Accordingly, in a second aspect, the invention relates to a method of catalysing a metathesis reaction, comprising providing a compound as defined in the first aspect.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises providing one or more olefins, wherein more than 80% of the olefins formed in the catalysed metathesis reaction are Z-olefins.

In a preferred embodiment, more than 85% or more than 90% or more than 95% of the olefins formed in the catalysed metathesis reaction are Z-olefins.

EXAMPLES Preparation of Thiocatecholate Zinc Salts

Suitable thiocatecholate zinc salts in the form of complexes may be prepared by reacting an aryl 1,2-dithiol with ethylenediamine in the presence of a zinc salt such as zinc acetate:

3,6-Dichlorobenzene-1,2-dithiolate zinc 10

A mixture of 3,6-dichlorobenzene-1,2-dithiol (7, 211 mg, 1.00 mmol, 1.00 equiv) purchased from Aldrich, Zn(Oac)₂·2H₂O (9, 878 mg, 4.00 mmol, 4.00 equiv) and ethylenediamine (8, 0.40 mL, 6.00 mmol, 6.00 equiv) in i-PrOH (8 mL) was allowed to stir for one hour at 22° C. The precipitated solid was filtered, washed with methanol (5.0 mL) and hot chloroform (5.0 mL), and dried in a vacuum desiccator overnight to afford 10 (261 mg, 0.95 mmol, 95% yield) as white solid.

Suitable aryl 1,2-thiolates may be prepared by reacting a suitable arene with sulfur in the presence of a strong base such as an alkyl lithium:

3,4,5,6-Tetrafluorobenzene-1,2-dithiolate zinc 15

To a stirred solution of n-BuLi (12, 0.69 mL, 1.10 mmol, 1.10 equiv) in tetrahydrofuran (2 mL) at −78° C. was added 1,2,3,4-tetrafluorobenzene (11, 150 mg, 1.00 mmol, 1.00 equiv) over 30 minutes, after which the solution was allowed to stir for 45 minutes at −78° C. Then, powdered anhydrous sulfur (13, 35.3 mg, 1.10 mmol, 1.10 equiv) was added in portions over 30 minutes followed by vigorous stirring for 30 minutes at −78° C. Then a solution of n-BuLi (12, 0.69 mL, 1.10 mmol, 1.10 equiv) in hexane (0.5 mL) at −78° C. was added followed by powdered anhydrous sulfur (13, 35.3 mg, 1.10 mmol, 1.10 equiv) in portions over 30 minutes then stirring for 30 minutes at −78° C. The reaction was quenched with cold 6M HCl (1.5 mL) and extracted with Et₂O (3×5.0 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with water (10 mL), dried over anhydrous MgSO₄, and filtered and concentrated in vacuo to give (150.0 mg, 0.82 mmol, 82% yield) 3,4,5,6-tetrafluorobenzene-1,2-dithiol 14 as yellow oil.

In a subsequent step, 3,4,5,6-tetrafluorobenzene-1,2-dithiol 14 is converted to a zinc complex 15

A mixture of dithiol 14 (471 mg, 2.20 mmol, 1.00 equiv), Zn(Oac)₂·2H₂O (9, 1932 mg, 8.80 mmol, 4.00 equiv) and ethylenediamine (8, 0.88 mL, 13.20 mmol, 6.00 equiv) in i-PrOH (16 mL) was allowed to stir for three hours at 22° C. The precipitated solid was filtered, washed with methanol (5.0 mL) and hot chloroform (5.0 mL), and dried in a vacuum desiccator overnight to afford 3,4,5,6-tetrafluorobenzene-1,2-dithiolate Zinc 15 (470 mg, 1.39 mmol, 63% yield) as white solid.

Preparation of Ru Complexes According to the Invention Using Suitable Ru Precursor Complexes

The Ru precursors are known from the prior art as e.g. referred to in the Background section or may be produced according to known methods.

General procedure for the synthesis of dithiolate Ru complexes:

The reaction according to the general procedure is schematically shown in the following scheme using a Ru dichloro complex bearing a NHC ligand containing two nitrogen atoms which is reacted with a suitable dithiolate complex to afford a compound E6 according to the invention:

To a 4 mL vial charged with stir bar and zinc dithiolate 10 or 15 (0.098 mmol, 2.00 equiv) under N₂ atmosphere, a solution of dichloro ruthenium complex (0.049 mmol, 1.00 equiv) in tetrahydrofuran (650 μL) was added and allowed to stir at 22° C. Reaction progress was monitored by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Upon >97% conversion after two to five hours, the solvent was evaporated under vacuum. Residual tetrahydrofuran was removed through co-evaporation with dichloromethane (2×2 mL). The obtained solid was dissolved in dichloromethane and filtered. After removal of dichloromethane from the filtrate, complexes were isolated as green solids.

Ruthenium complex E6 was synthetized according to the general procedure and isolated in the form of a green solid (35 mg, 0.04 mmol, 57% yield). ¹H-NMR (C6D6): δ =1.46 (d, 3H, CH₃CHCH₃), 1.69 (br, 6H, CH₃ Mes), 1.75 (d, 3H, CH₃CHCH₃), 2.17 (s, 6H, CH₃ Mes), 2.54 (s, 6H, CH₃ Mes), 3.98 (br, 4H, CH₂ NHC), 5.41 (sept, 1H, CH₃CHCH₃), 6.25 (br, 1H, CH Mes), 6.60 (br, 1H, CH Mes), 6.96 (br, 2H, CH Mes), 6.80 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H, C6-H), 7.27 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H, C3-H), 7.78 (dd, J=2.3 Hz, 9.0 Hz, 1H, C4-H), 10.11 (s, 1H, NH), 14.30 ppm (s, 1H, Ru═CH).

¹⁹F-NMR (C₆D₆): δ =−76.4 (s), −139.8 (ddd), −144.8 (ddd), −166.4 (ddd), −167.3 ppm (ddd). ¹³C-NMR (C₆D₆): δ =19.9 (CH₃ Mes), 21.5 (CH₃CHCH₃), 23.8 (CH₃CHCH₃), 52.8 (CH₂ NHC), 84.0 (CH₃CHCH₃), 116.8 (C6), 117.0 (C3), 118.6 (C4), 129.8 (CH Mes), 130.0 (CH Mes), 132.7 (C5), 135.5 (C Mes), 137.1 (C Mes), 139.1 (C Mes), 142.6 (C1), 152.5 (C2), 251.4 ppm (Ru=CH).

Ruthenium complex E5 was synthetized according to the general procedure

and isolated in the form of a green solid (36 mg, 0.04 mmol, 59% yield). ¹H-NMR (C₆D₆): δ =1.47 (d, 3H, CH₃CHCH₃), 1.64 (br, 6H, CH₃ Mes), 1.72 (d, 3H, CH₃CHCH₃), 2.17 (s, 6H, CH₃ Mes), 2.55 (br, 6H, CH₃ Mes), 3.97 (br, 4H, CH₂ NHC), 5.40 (sept, 1H, CH₃CHCH₃), 6.30 (br, 1H, CH Mes), 6.50 (br, 1H, CH Mes), 6.94 (br, 2H, CH Mes), 6.72&6.82 (Abq, 2H, C3′-H, C4′-H), 6.77 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H, C6-H), 7.24 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H, C3-H), 7.77 (dd, J=2.3 Hz, 9.0 Hz, 1H, C4-H), 10.10 (s, 1H, NH), 14.14 ppm (s, 1H, Ru═CH). ¹⁹F-NMR (C₆D₆): δ =−76.4 ppm (s). ¹³C-NMR (C₆D₆): δ =19.7 (CH₃ Mes), 20.5 (CH₃CHCH₃), 23.1 (CH₃CHCH₃), 51.2 (CH₂ NHC), 81.3 (CH₃CHCH₃), 115.3 (C3, C6), 118.6 (C4), 120.5 (C3′), 121.9 (C4′), 128.8 (CH Mes), 129.5 (C5′), 130.9 (C2′), 131.3 (C5), 137.9 (C Mes), 141.7 (c1), 142.1 (C1′), 151.4 (C2), 154.1 (C6′), 248.1 ppm (Ru═CH).

Ruthenium complex E7

was synthetized according to the general procedure from the particular Ru derivative and isolated in the form of a green solid (100 mg, 0.11 mmol, 76% yield). ¹H-NMR (C₆D₆): δ =0.87 (d, 6H, —CH₃CHCH₃), 1.26 (d, 3H, O—CH₃CHCH₃), 1.37 (d, 3H, O—CH₃CHCH₃), 1.48 (s br, 3H, CH₃ Mes), 1.90 (sept, 1H, CH₃CHCH₃), 2.06 (s, 6H, CH₃ Mes), 2.27 (s br, 3H, CH₃ Mes), 2.45 (s br, 3H, CH₃ Mes), 2.59 (s br, 3H, CH₃ Mes), 3.03 (br, 2H, CH₂ NHC), 3.18 (br, 2H, CH₂ NHC), 3.99 (m, 2H, O—CH₂), 5.34 (sept, 1H, O—CH₃CHCH₃), 5.82 (d, J=2.2 Hz, 1H, C6-H), 6.13 (br, 1H, CH Mes), 6.29 (s, 1H, NH), 6.46 (br, 1H, CH Mes), 6.54 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H, C3-H), 6.60 (br, 1H, CH Mes), 6.77 (br, 1H, CH Mes), 6.90&7.01 (Abq, 2H, C3′-H, C4′-H), 7.74 (d br, J=9.0 Hz, 1H, C4-H), 14.47 ppm (s, 1H, Ru═CH). ¹³C-NMR (C₆D₆): 6 =20.7 (CH₃ Mes), 18.9 (CH₃CHCH₃), 20.7 (O—CH₃CHCH₃), 23.7 (O—CH₃CHCH₃), 28.1 (CH₃CHCH₃), 50.9 (CH₂ NHC), 71.0 (O—CH₂), 81.3 (O—CH₃CHCH₃), 113.7 (C6), 115.4 (C3), 116.5 (C4), 121.9 (C3′), 123.5 (C4′), 129.1 (CH Mes), 129.2 (CH Mes), 129.4 (CH Mes), 129.6 (CH Mes), 130.0 (C5′), 131.9 (C2′), 133.3 (C5), 141.8 (C1), 142.2 (C1′), 149.6 (C2), 153.2 (NHCOO), 154.6 (C6′), 250.1 ppm (Ru═CH).

Ruthenium complex E8

was synthetized according to the general procedure from the particular Ru derivative and isolated in the form of a green solid (137 mg, 0.15 mmol, 78% yield). ¹H-NMR (C₆D₆): δ =0.88 (d, 6H, CH₃CHCH₃), 1.22 (d, 3H, O—CH₃CHCH₃), 1.35 (d, 3H, O—CH₃CHCH₃), 1.45 (br, 3H, CH₃ Mes), 1.91 (sept, 1H, CH₃CHCH₃), 2.01 (br, 3H, CH₃ Mes), 2.06 (br, 3H, CH₃ Mes), 2.25 (br, 3H, CH₃ Mes), 2.40 (s, 3H, CH₃ Mes), 2.47 (s, 3H, CH₃ Mes), 3.05 (br m, 4H, CH₂ NHC), 3.98 (m, 2H, O—CH₂), 5.41 (sept, 1H, O—CH₃CHCH₃), 5.78 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H, C6-H), 6.06 (br, 1H, CH Mes), 6.37 (s, 1H, NH), 6.47 (br, 1H, CH Mes), 6.53 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H, C3-H), 6.56 (br, 1H, CH Mes), 6.75 (br, 1H, CH Mes), 7.74 (br d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H, C4-H), 14.63 ppm (s, 1H, Ru═CH). ¹³C-NMR (C₆D₆): δ =17.1 (CH₃ Mes), 18.4 (CH₃ Mes), 19.0 (CH₃CHCH₃), 19.3 (CH₃ Mes), 20.0 (CH₃ Mes), 20.7 (CH₃ Mes), 20.7 (CH₃ Mes), 20.9 (O—CH₃CHCH₃), 23.8 (O—CH₃CHCH₃), 51.2 (CH₂ NHC), 71.2 (O—CH₂), 82.3 (O—CH₃CHCH₃), 113.7 (C6), 115.8 (C3), 117.0 (C4), 129.0 (CH Mes), 129.3 (CH Mes), 129.6 (CH Mes), 129.9 (CH Mes), 133.9 (C5), 134.5 (C Mes), 134.7 (C Mes), 135.1 (C Mes), 135.7 (C Mes), 137.0 (C Mes), 138.2 (C Mes), 138.5 (C Mes), 139.1 (C Mes), 142.0 (C1), 149.8 (C2), 153.9 (NHCOO), 252.3 ppm (Ru═CH).

In a further example, the reaction according to the general procedure is schematically shown in the following scheme using a Ru dichloro complex bearing an NHC ligand containing one nitrogen atom (CAAC ligand) which is reacted with a suitable dithiolate complex:

Ruthenium complex 24 was synthetized according to the following steps: Compound 22 (106 mg, 0.106 mmol, 1.0 eq) was added under nitrogen to a solution of 23 (35 mg, 0.127 mmol, 1.2 eq) and suspension of CuCl (21 mg, 0.212 mmol, 2 eq) in benzene (5 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at 60° C. for 60 minutes. After cooling down to room temperature, the mixture was poured onto silica gel and the product was eluted with Et₂O/pentane (3:7 v/v) mixture. Green band was collected and solvents were removed. After drying in high vacuum the green solid 24 was obtained, 30 mg (38%).

¹H-NMR (C₆D₆): δ =0.63 (s, 6H, CH₃ CAAC), 0.71 (s, 3H, CH₃ CAAC), 1.37 (br, 6H, O—CH₃CHCH₃), 1.48 (s br, 3H, CH₃ CAAC), 1.59&2.02 (ABq, 2H, CH₂ CAAC), 2.17 (m, 2H, CH₂ Et), 2.38 (m, 2H, CH₂ Et), 4.50 (sept, 1H, O—CH₃CHCH₃), 6.26 (d br, 1H, C3-H), 7.23 (d br, 1H, C4-H), 7.49 (m, 2H, C_(ortho)-H Ph), 16.49 ppm (br, 1H, Ru═CH). ¹³C-NMR (C₆D₆): δ =15.7 (CH₃ Et), 21.5 (O—CH₃CHCH₃), 25.0 (CH₂ Et), 26.8 (CH₃ CAAC), 27.0 (CH₃ CAAC), 29.4 (CH₃ CAAC), 50.5 (CH₂ CAAC), 60.4 (CCH₃Ph), 74.8 (O—CH₃CHCH₃), 79.8 (NC(CH₃)₂), 112.7 (C3), 122.2 (C4), 129.5 (C5), 135.9 (C-Et), 139.6 (N-C_(ipso)), 140.7 (C2), 143.5 (C1), 145.2 (C_(ipso) Ph), 247.7 ppm (NC: CAAC).

Ruthenium complex E12 was synthetized according to the general procedure and identified without isolation by the characteristic new alkylidene signal at δ =13.85 ppm (¹H-NMR (CD₂Cl₂)s, Ru═CH,):

Exemplary Metathesis Reaction

Z-selective cross-metathesis reaction (CM) between allylbenzene 17 and cis-1,4-butendiol-diacetate 18 to yield (Z)-4-phenyl-2-buteneyl-1-acetate 19 (Z-isomer was confirmed by GC standards):

A 3 mol % [Ru] catalyst (complexes E5, E6, E7, E8 according to the invention, and complexes 20 or 21 for comparison) (0.0006 mmol, 3.0 mol %) in THF (290 μL) was transferred by syringe to a vial containing 17 (2.4 mg, 0.02 mmol, 1.00 equiv) and 18 (6.9 mg, 0.04 mmol, 2.00 equiv). The resulting mixture was allowed to stir for 9 hours at 22° C. Analysis of the GC-MS chromatogram revealed surprisingly different yields of the substrate 19 with the different [Ru] catalysts, however the corresponding CM product was obtained in each case in >98:2 Z/E ratio.

Catalyst Yield of 19 [%] Z/E ratio 20 46 >98:2 21 49 >98:2 E5 54 >98:2 E7 54 >98:2 E8 56 >98:2 E6 58 >98:2

Z-selective cross-metathesis reaction (CM) between oct-1-ene 22 and cis-1,4-butendiol-diacetate 18 to yield (Z)-non-2-en-1-yl acetate 23 (Z-isomer was confirmed by GC standards):

A 3 mol % [Ru] catalyst (complexes E5, E7 according to the invention, and complex 21 for comparison) (0.00126 mmol, 3.0 mol %) in THF (290 μL) was transferred by syringe to a vial containing 18 (14.5 mg, 0.084 mmol, 2.00 equiv) and 22 (4.71 mg, 0.042 mmol, 1.00 equiv). The resulting mixture was allowed to stir for 9 hours at 22° C. Analysis of the GC-MS chromatogram revealed surprisingly different yields of the substrate 23 with the different [Ru] catalysts, however the corresponding CM product was obtained in each case in >98:2 Z/E ratio.

Catalyst Yield of 23 [%] Z/E ratio 21 64 >98:2 E7 72 >98:2 E5 74 >98:2

As can be seen from compounds E5, E6, E7 and E8 compared to compound 20 and 21, the omission of the amido group results in a drop of yield of target product. Accordingly, one can draw the conclusion from these results that the introduction of an amide function on the styrenyl ether ligand promotes the activation of the catalyst. Besides the significant activation of the catalyst relatively high conversions in very short amounts of time are observed. Under these conditions, an economic impact can be envisaged by significantly reducing the catalytic load in the metathesis reactions compared to the known catalysts lacking the amido group without affecting the yield. 

1. A compound of formula 4 or formula 5

wherein in formula 4 or formula 5 the substituents L and R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰ and R¹¹ have the following meaning: L is: a neutral ligand; R¹ is: H;  unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl or unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy; C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl or C₅₋₉ cycloalkoxy; optionally bearing one or more halogen atoms, respectively; or  aryl or aryloxy; optionally substituted, respectively, with one or more of unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl or unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy, C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl or C₅₋₉ cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, heteroaryl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amido, aminosulfonyl, N-heteroarylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylthio, arylthio, sulfonamide, halogen or N(R^(y))(R^(z)), wherein R^(y) and R^(z) are independently selected from H and C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; R² is: H; unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; aryl; —C(O)R¹²; —C(O)OR¹²; —C(O)C(O)R¹²; —C(O)C(O)OR¹²; wherein R¹² has the meaning of C₁₋₂₀ alkyl or aryl, respectively; R¹² optionally bearing one or more halogen atoms; R³ is: unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; aryl; or R¹³—C(O)—CHR¹⁴—, wherein R¹³ is C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy and R¹⁴ is H or C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; or wherein R¹³ is C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy and R¹⁴ is C(O)—O—C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; or wherein R¹³ is C₁₋₂₀ alkyl and R¹⁴ is H; or R¹³ is OH and R¹⁴ is H or C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; or R¹⁵—O—N(R¹⁶)—C(O)—CHR¹⁷—, wherein R¹⁵, R¹⁶, and R¹⁷ are independently H or C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; R⁴ is: H; R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are, independently, H; unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl or C₅₋₉ cycloalkoxy; unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy; aryl; aryloxy; unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbonyl; arylcarbonyl; unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl; aryloxycarbonyl; heteroaryl; carboxyl; cyano; nitro; amido; aminosulfonyl; N-heteroarylsulfonyl; unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl; arylsulfonyl; unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfinyl; arylsulfinyl; unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylthio; arylthio; sulfonamide; halogen; or N(R^(y))(R^(z)), wherein R^(y) and R^(z) are independently selected from H and C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; or aryl or aryloxy, respectively substituted with one or more of unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl or unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy, C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl or C₅₋₉ cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, heteroaryl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amido, aminosulfonyl, N-heteroarylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylthio, arylthio, sulfonamide, halogen or N(R^(y))(R^(z)), wherein R^(y) and R^(z) are independently selected from H and C₁₋₂₀ alkyl.
 2. The compound of claim 1, wherein in formula 4 or 5 the neutral ligand L is P(R^(x))₃, wherein R^(x) is independently branched or unbranched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl or C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy, C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl, or aryl; or RCN, wherein R is branched or unbranched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl, C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl, or aryl; or a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic carbene containing the moiety of formula 6

wherein R⁷ and R⁸ as defined in formula 6 are each independently H, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl, C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl, or phenyl, wherein the phenyl is optionally substituted with up to three groups independently selected from unbranched or branched C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy or halogen, and wherein the chemical bonds which are symbolized with a wiggly line are connected to an optionally substituted alkenylene or alkylene group, respectively, wherein the carbene carbon atom, the two nitrogen atoms and the optionally substituted alkenylene or alkylene group form a ring; or a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic carbene containing the moiety of formula 7

wherein Ar as defined in formula 7 is aryl, preferably phenyl, optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from: C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or halogen; and wherein the chemical bonds which are symbolized with a wiggly line are connected to an optionally substituted alkenylene or alkylene group, respectively, wherein the carbon atom, the carbene carbon atom, the nitrogen atom and the optionally substituted alkenylene or alkylene group form a ring, which may optionally be bridged by an alkylene group.
 3. The compound of claim 2, wherein the carbene of formula 6 is a carbene of one of formulas 6a, 6b, 6c or 6d:

wherein R⁹ and R¹⁰ are each independently H, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl, or phenyl, wherein phenyl is optionally substituted with up to three groups independently selected from unbranched or branched C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy or halogen; or R⁹ and R¹⁰ together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached are combined to form a carbocyclic 3 to 8 membered ring, preferably an aryl ring, more preferably C₆H₄; Y and Y′ are halogen.
 4. Compound of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein L is of formula 6a or 6b, preferably wherein R⁹ and R¹⁰ as defined in formula 6a or 6b are H, respectively, and R⁷ and R⁸ as defined in formula 6a and 6b are mesityl, or 2,6-diisopropylphenyl; or wherein L is of formula


5. The compound of claim 2, wherein the carbene of formula 7 is a carbene of one of formulas 7a or 7b:

wherein each R in formula 7a is independently hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₁-C₅ perfluoroalkyl, C₇-C₂₄ aralkyl, or C₆-C₁₄ perfluoroaryl group, which are optionally substituted with at least one C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or a halogen atom; and wherein two R which are separated by the C-CR₂—C moiety can be combined with to form a cyclic system; or a carbene of formula 7b

wherein each R in formula 7b is independently hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₁-C₅ perfluoroalkyl, C₇-C₂₄ aralkyl, or C₆-C₁₄ perfluoroaryl group, which are optionally substituted with at least one C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or a halogen atom; and wherein n is 1, 2 or 3; preferably wherein R in formula 7b are each independently hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl.
 6. The compound of claim 5, wherein the ligand of formula 7a is of formula 7a′

wherein R¹², R¹³,R¹⁴, and R¹⁵ in formula 7a′ are each independently hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₁-C₅ perfluoroalkyl, C₇-C₂₄ aralkyl, or C₆-C₁₄ perfluoroaryl group, which are optionally substituted with at least one C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or a halogen atom; and wherein R¹² and/or R¹³ can be combined with R¹⁴ and/or R¹⁵ to form a cyclic system; or wherein the ligand of formula 7b is of formula 7b′:

wherein R¹⁶, R¹⁷ and R¹⁸ in formula 7b′ are each independently hydrogen or C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, or C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₁-C₅ perfluoroalkyl, C₇-C₂₄ aralkyl, or C₆-C₁₄ perfluoroaryl group, which are optionally substituted with at least one C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or a halogen atom, preferably wherein R¹⁶, R¹⁷ and R¹⁸ in formula 7b′ are each independently hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl.
 7. The compound of any one of claim 2, 5 or 6, wherein L in formula 4 or 5 is a carbene of formula 7c

wherein in formula 7c m is an integer of from 0 to 4, and each R^(y) independently has the meaning of C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or halogen; such as a carbene of formula 7c′

or is a carbene of formula 7d

wherein in formula 7d m is an integer of from 0 to 4, and each R^(y) independently has the meaning of C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or halogen; such as a carbene of formula 7d′

or is a carbene of formula 7e

or is a carbene of formula 7f

or is a carbene of formula 7g or 7h

or is a carbene of formula 7i

or is a carbene of formula 7k

and wherein each R in one of formulas 7c to 7i is independently hydrogen or C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, or C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₁-C₅ perfluoroalkyl, C₇-C₂₄ aralkyl, or C₆-C₁₄ perfluoroaryl group, which are optionally substituted with at least one C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or a halogen atom; preferably wherein each R in formulas 7c to 7i is hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl.
 8. Compound of any one of the preceding claims, wherein R¹ in formula 4 or 5 is C₁₋₆ alkyl, optionally substituted with one or more of halogen, or phenyl, optionally substituted with one or more of unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl or unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy, C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl or C₅₋₉ cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, heteroaryl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amido, aminosulfonyl, N-heteroarylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylthio, arylthio, sulfonamide, halogen or N(R^(y))(R^(z)), wherein R^(y) and R^(z) are independently selected from H and C₁₋₂₀ alkyl.
 9. Compound of any one of the preceding claims, wherein R² in formula 4 or 5 is H.
 10. Compound of any one of the preceding claims, wherein NR²—C(O)—R¹ in formula 4 or 5 is in para-position with respect to O.
 11. Compound of any one of the preceding claims, wherein R³ in formula 4 or 5 is methyl or isopropyl.
 12. Compound of any one of the proceeding claims, wherein R⁵ in formula 4 or 5 is H.
 13. Compound of any one of the preceding claims, wherein R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, and R⁹ in formula 4 are independently selected from H and halogen.
 14. Compound of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein R¹⁰ and R¹¹ as defined in formula 5 are independently selected from halogen and cyano.
 15. Compound, wherein the compound has the structure of formula I-c:

wherein: each of R⁶ and R⁷ is independently R, —CN, halogen, —OR, —C(O)R, —OSi®₃, —SR, —S(O)R, —S(O)₂R, —NO₂, —N(R′)₂, —NR′C(O)R, —NR′C(O)OR, —NR′C(O)N(R′)₂, —NR′SO₂R, —NR′SO₂N(R′)₂, —NR′OR, —SeR, —Si®₃; or R⁶ and R⁷ are optionally taken together with their intervening atoms to form an optionally substituted 3-10 membered, saturated, partially unsaturated or aryl monocyclic or bicyclic ring having 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; or wherein the compound has the structure of formula I-d:

or wherein the compound has the structure of formula I-e:

or wherein the compound has the structure of formula I-f:

wherein in each of formulas I-c to I-f R¹ is a carbene containing the moiety of formula 7

wherein Ar as defined in formula 7 is aryl, preferably phenyl, optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from: C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or halogen; and wherein the chemical bonds which are symbolized with a wiggly line are connected to an optionally substituted alkenylene or alkylene group, respectively, wherein the carbene carbon atom, the nitrogen atom and the optionally substituted alkenylene or alkylene group form a ring, which may optionally be bridged by an alkylene group; r is 1 or 2, preferably 1; X and Y are —S-; Ring A is an optionally substituted ring selected from phenyl, an 8-10 membered bicyclic aryl ring, a 5-6 membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or an 8-10 membered bicyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; each R^(x) is independently halogen, R, —CN, —C(O)N(R′)₂, —C(O)R, —C(O)OR, —OR, —OC(O)R, —C(O)OR, —C(O)N(R′)₂, —OSiR₃, —N(R′)₂, —N(R)₃ ⁺, —NR′C(O)R, —NR′C(O)OR, —NR′C(O)N(R′)₂, —NR′SO₂R, —NR′SO₂N(R′)₂, —NR′OR, —NO₂, —SiR₃, —PR₂, —P(O)R₂, —P(O)(OR)₂, —SR, —SC(O)R, —S(O)R, —SO₂R, —SO₃R, —SO₂N(R′)₂, or —SeR; each R′ is independently R, —C(O)R, —C(O)NR₂, —C(O)OR, —SO₂R, —SO₂NR₂, —P(O)(OR)₂, or —OR; and each R is independently hydrogen or an optionally substituted group selected from C₁₋₂₀ aliphatic, C₁₋₂₀ heteroaliphatic, phenyl, a 3-7 membered saturated or partially unsaturated carbocyclic ring, an 8-10 membered bicyclic saturated, partially unsaturated or aryl ring, a 5-6 membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, a 3-7 membered saturated or partially unsaturated heterocyclic ring having 1-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, a 7-10 membered bicyclic saturated or partially unsaturated heterocyclic ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or an 8-10 membered bicyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; or: two R groups are optionally taken together with their intervening atoms to form an optionally substituted 3-10 membered, saturated, partially unsaturated, or aryl ring having, in addition to the intervening atoms, 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; m is 0-6; R² is R^(x); R³ is hydrogen or an optionally substituted group selected from C₁₋₂₀ aliphatic, C₁₋₂₀ heteroaliphatic, phenyl, a 3-7 membered saturated or partially unsaturated carbocyclic ring, a 5-6 membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or a 3-7 membered saturated or partially unsaturated heterocyclic ring having 1-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; and Z is —O- or —S-.
 16. Compound of claim 15, wherein the compound has the structure of formula I-g:


17. Compound of claim 15 or 16, wherein the carbene is of formula 7a or 7b:

wherein each R in formula 7a is independently hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₁-C₅ perfluoroalkyl, C₇-C₂₄ aralkyl, or C₆-C₁₄ perfluoroaryl group, which are optionally substituted with at least one C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or a halogen atom; and wherein two R which are separated by the C-CR₂-0 moiety can be combined with to form a cyclic system; or

wherein each R in formula 7b is independently hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₁-C₅ perfluoroalkyl, C₇-C₂₄ aralkyl, or C₆-C₁₄ perfluoroaryl group, which are optionally substituted with at least one C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or a halogen atom; and wherein n is 1, 2 or 3; preferably wherein R in formula 7b are each independently hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl.
 18. Compound of claim 17, wherein the carbene of formula 7a is of formula 7a′

wherein R¹², R¹³, R¹⁴, and R¹⁵ in formula 7a are each independently hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₁-C₅ perfluoroalkyl, C₇-C₂₄ aralkyl, or C₆-C₁₄ perfluoroaryl group, which are optionally substituted with at least one C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or a halogen atom; and wherein R¹² and/or R¹³ can be combined with R¹⁴ and/or R¹⁵ to form a cyclic system; or wherein the carbene of formula 7b is of formula 7b′:

wherein R¹⁶, R¹⁷ and R¹⁸ in formula 7b′ are each independently hydrogen or C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, or C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₁-C₅ perfluoroalkyl, C₇-C₂₄ aralkyl, or C₆-C₁₄ perfluoroaryl group, which are optionally substituted with at least one C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or a halogen atom, preferably wherein R¹⁶, R¹⁷ and R¹⁸ in formula 7b′ are each independently hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl.
 19. The compound of any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein L in formula 4 or 5 is a carbene of formula 7c

wherein in formula 7c m is an integer of from 0 to 4, and each R^(y) independently has the meaning of C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or halogen; such as a carbene of formula 7c′

or is a carbene of formula 7d

wherein in formula 7d m is an integer of from 0 to 4, and each R^(y) independently has the meaning of C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or halogen; such as a carbene of formula 7d′

or is a carbene of formula 7e

or is a carbene of formula 7f

or is a carbene of formula 7g or 7h

or is a carbene of formula 7i

or is a carbene of formula 7k

wherein each R in formulae 7c to 7i is independently hydrogen or C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, or C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, C₆-C₁₄ aryl, C₁-C₅ perfluoroalkyl, C₇-C₂₄ aralkyl, or C₆-C₁₄ perfluoroaryl group, which are optionally substituted with at least one C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or a halogen atom; preferably wherein each R in formulae 7c to 7i is hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl.
 20. Compound of any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein Z is —O-.
 21. Compound of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compound is selected from one of compounds E1 to E12:


22. Compound of any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the compound is not a compound of formula 4 or formula 5

wherein in formula 4 or formula 5 the substituents L and R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰ and R¹¹ have the following meaning: L is: a neutral ligand; R¹ is: H; unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl or unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy; C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl or C₅₋₉ cycloalkoxy; optionally bearing one or more halogen atoms, respectively; or aryl or aryloxy; optionally substituted, respectively, with one or more of unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl or unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy, C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl or C₅₋₉ cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, heteroaryl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amido, aminosulfonyl, N-heteroarylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylthio, arylthio, sulfonamide, halogen or N(R^(y))(R^(z)), wherein R^(y) and R^(z) are independently selected from H and C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; R² is: H; unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; aryl; —C(O)R¹²; —C(O)OR¹²; —C(O)C(O)R¹²; —C(O)C(O)OR¹²; wherein R¹² has the meaning of C₁₋₂₀ alkyl or aryl, respectively; R¹² optionally bearing one or more halogen atoms; R³ is: unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; aryl; or R¹³—C(O)—CHR¹⁴, wherein R¹³ is C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy and R¹⁴ is H or C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; or wherein R¹³ is C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy and R¹⁴ is C(O)—O—C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; or wherein R¹³ is C₁₋₂₀ alkyl and R¹⁴ is H; or R¹³ is OH and R¹⁴ is H or C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; or R¹⁵—O—N(R¹⁶)—C(O)—CHR¹⁷, wherein R¹⁵, R¹⁶, and R¹⁷ are independently H or C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; R⁴ is: H; R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are, independently, H; unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl or unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy; C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl or C₅₋₉ cycloalkoxy; aryl; aryloxy; unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbonyl; arylcarbonyl; unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl; aryloxycarbonyl; heteroaryl; carboxyl; cyano; nitro; amido; aminosulfonyl; N-heteroarylsulfonyl; unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl; arylsulfonyl; unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfinyl; arylsulfinyl; unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylthio; arylthio; sulfonamide; halogen; or N(R^(y))(R^(z)), wherein R^(y) and R^(z) are independently selected from H and C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; or aryl or aryloxy, respectively substituted with one or more of unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkyl or unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxy, C₅₋₉ cycloalkyl or C₅₋₉ cycloalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, heteroaryl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amido, aminosulfonyl, N-heteroarylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, unbranched or branched C₁₋₂₀ alkylthio, arylthio, sulfonamide, halogen or N(R^(y))(R^(z)), wherein R^(y) and R^(z) are independently selected from H and C₁₋₂₀ alkyl; and wherein in formula 4 or 5 the neutral ligand L is a nitrogen-containing carbene containing the moiety of formula 7

wherein Ar as defined in formula 7 is aryl, preferably phenyl, optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from: C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ perfluoroalkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or halogen; and wherein the chemical bonds which are symbolized with a wiggly line are connected to an optionally substituted alkenylene or alkylene group, respectively, wherein the carbon atom, the carbene carbon atom, the nitrogen atom and the optionally substituted alkenylene or alkylene group form a ring, which may optionally be bridged by an alkylene group.
 23. Compound of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compound is immobilized on a solid support.
 24. Method of catalysing a metathesis reaction, comprising providing a compound as defined in any one of claims 1 to
 23. 25. Method of claim 24, further comprising providing one or more olefins, wherein more than 80% of the olefins formed in the catalysed metathesis reaction are Z-olefins. 